Limerick 4-11 Waterford 2-14
Limerick pulled off a stunning comeback against Waterford in Pairc Ui Chaoimh today to advance to a Munster final meeting against Tipperary.
Limerick, who started the day as favourites after disposing of Cork in the first round, were blown away in the early stages of the game by Waterford. After Paul O'Grady pointed a first minute free, Limerick were held scoreless for the next 18 minutes, during which time Waterford rattled up a score of 2-6, with the goals coming courtesy of Seamus Prendergast and Paul Flynn. An Ollie Moran goal gave Limerick some heart, but they still trailed by six points at the break, 2-7 to 1-4.
Ken McGrath and Paul O'Grady were both showing their accuracy and exchanging points at the start of the second half, McGrath from play and O'Grady from frees, to leave Limerick trailing by six points 12 minutes into the second half. Two goals in three minutes for Limerick brought the sides level and changed the course of the game. First James Butler took advantage of a breaking ball to finish to the net, and then Brian Begley collected a high ball with a trademark catch and blasted past Brendan Landers in the Waterford goal.
McGrath gave Waterford hope again, briefly restoring their lead, before O'Grady fired over another free. Begley then came to centre stage again to decide the game, once again collecting a high ball and finishing to the net. Flynn and O'Grady swapped two pointed frees apiece, but Waterford could not find the goal that would save the game for them. Waterford manager Gerald McCarthy stepped down after the game, and ruled himself out of taking the vacant Cork post saying he plans to spend his free time with his family.
